The ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year for 2024 is a thrilling combination of rising stars and established players. This team features remarkable performances across batting and bowling, showcasing talent from all corners of the cricketing world. Below are the standout players that made the cut.
Saim Ayub: A Breakout Star from Pakistan
- Matches: 9
- Runs: 515
- Highest Score: 113*
- Average: 64.37
- Strike Rate: 105.53
- Centuries: 3
- Half-Centuries: 1
Overview:
Saim Ayub’s incredible rise in 2024 has been a highlight for Pakistan cricket. Making his debut only in November, he impressed immediately with three centuries, including two in South Africa. His consistency and remarkable strike rate have earned him a place in the Team of the Year.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Centuries | Half-Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 515 | 113* | 64.37 | 3 | 1 |
Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Afghanistan Game-Changer
- Matches: 11
- Runs: 531
- Highest Score: 121
- Average: 48.2
- Strike Rate: 89.7
- Centuries: 3
- Half-Centuries: 2
Overview:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s power-hitting continued to be one of Afghanistan’s biggest assets in 2024. Known for his destructive batting, Gurbaz’s consistent performances in multiple series helped his team succeed. He remains a crucial figure in Afghanistan’s batting line-up.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Centuries | Half-Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 531 | 121 | 48.2 | 3 | 2 |
Pathum Nissanka: Sri Lanka Leading Batsman
- Matches: 12
- Runs: 694
- Highest Score: 210*
- Average: 63.1
- Strike Rate: 106.4
- Centuries: 3
- Half-Centuries: 2
Overview:
Nissanka’s monumental knock of 210* against Afghanistan made headlines in 2024. His consistent performances, especially in the first half of the year, made him one of the highest run-scorers in ODIs, solidifying his spot in the Team of the Year.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Centuries | Half-Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 694 | 210* | 63.1 | 3 | 2 |
Kusal Mendis (WK): Sri Lanka Consistent Wicketkeeper-Batsman
- Matches: 17
- Runs: 742
- Highest Score: 143
- Average: 53
- Strike Rate: 90.6
- Centuries: 1
- Half-Centuries: 6
Overview:
Kusal Mendis topped the ODI run charts in 2024 with 742 runs. His consistency, especially in crucial series, along with a century against New Zealand, made him an irreplaceable player in Sri Lanka’s ODI team.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Centuries | Half-Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 742 | 143 | 53 | 1 | 6 |
Charith Asalanka: Sri Lanka Captain and Key Contributor
- Matches: 16
- Runs: 605
- Highest Score: 101
- Average: 50.2
- Strike Rate: 97.1
- Centuries: 1
- Half-Centuries: 4
Overview:
Asalanka’s leadership and batting made a significant impact in 2024. His century against Zimbabwe, combined with crucial contributions throughout the year, helped guide Sri Lanka to many victories.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Centuries | Half-Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 605 | 101 | 50.2 | 1 | 4 |
Sherfane Rutherford: West Indies’ Rising Star
- Matches: 9
- Runs: 425
- Highest Score: 113
- Average: 106.2
- Strike Rate: 120.1
- Centuries: 1
- Half-Centuries: 4
Overview:
Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive batting in the 2024 season earned him a spot in the Team of the Year. With a stunning average and strike rate, he was a key middle-order player for the West Indies, finishing multiple matches unbeaten.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Centuries | Half-Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 425 | 113 | 106.2 | 1 | 4 |
Azmatullah Omarzai: Afghanistan All-Rounder
- Matches: 12
- Runs: 417
- Highest Score: 149
- Average: 52.1
- Strike Rate: 105.6
- Centuries: 1
- Half-Centuries: 3
- Wickets: 17
- Best Bowling: 4/18
Overview:
Azmatullah Omarzai’s dual contribution with both bat and ball was crucial to Afghanistan’s success in 2024. His all-round performances in key matches, including match-winning spells with the ball, helped Afghanistan seal important series wins.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Centuries | Half-Centuries | Wickets | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 417 | 149 | 52.1 | 1 | 3 | 17 | 4/18 |
Wanindu Hasaranga: Sri Lanka Premier Bowler
- Matches: 10
- Wickets: 26
- Best Bowling: 7/19
- Bowling Average: 15.6
Overview:
Wanindu Hasaranga’s exceptional bowling performances, including a record-breaking 7/19 against Zimbabwe, made him one of the most impactful bowlers of 2024. His ability to break partnerships and consistently take wickets kept Sri Lanka competitive throughout the year.
| Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 26 | 7/19 | 15.6 |
Shaheen Shah Afridi: Pakistan Pace Leader
- Matches: 6
- Wickets: 15
- Best Bowling: 4/47
- Bowling Average: 17.6
Overview:
Despite playing only six matches, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s impact in 2024 was undeniable. His fast bowling and wicket-taking ability continued to make him one of the most dangerous pacers in world cricket.
| Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 15 | 4/47 | 17.6 |
Haris Rauf: Pakistan’s Emerging Fast Bowler
- Matches: 8
- Wickets: 13
- Best Bowling: 5/29
- Bowling Average: 22.4
Overview:
Haris Rauf’s fiery spells helped Pakistan to crucial victories in 2024. His five-wicket haul in Adelaide was a standout performance, demonstrating his potential as a future star in world cricket.
| Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 13 | 5/29 | 22.4 |
AM Ghazanfar: Afghanistan’s Young Star
- Matches: 11
- Wickets: 21
- Best Bowling: 6/26
- Bowling Average: 13.57
Overview:
AM Ghazanfar’s emergence as a top bowler in 2024 was one of the year’s most exciting stories. The 18-year-old off-spinner impressed with multiple five-wicket hauls, including a remarkable 6/26 against Bangladesh.
| Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 21 | 6/26 | 13.57 |
Summary
The ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 showcases an exciting mix of youth and experience, with breakout stars like Saim Ayub and AM Ghazanfar making significant contributions. These players’ performances have set new benchmarks in the ODI format, making them key figures in international cricket for the years to come.
